How to Play the Hot Potato Game

Like the children's game Simon Says, Hot Potato is a great learning game that can be exciting and fun. This simple game, using just one prop with no moving parts, teaches imagination, reflex action, listening skills and how to follow directions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Person to control the music
• Two or more players, kids of all ages
• One potato, beanbag, stuffed toy or other item

How to Play Hot Potato

1. Gather players in a circle, standing or sitting cross-legged. Explain the rules and make sure everyone understands, especially if you are playing with very young children. Players need be ready for a quick toss, so it helps to be prepared.

2. Ask young players to name some things that are hot. Hand someone the potato, encouraging him or her to pretend that it is HOT and to catch and throw it as quickly as they can.

3. Call, Go! and play some music on an instrument or recording device that can be paused easily. Game players begin to toss the potato around the circle, to the player next to them.

4. Stop the music! At this point, whichever player is holding the potato is "out." Throwing it after the music stops does not count.

5. Continue starting and stopping the music until all but two are "out." Last player to NOT be holding the potato when the music stops wins.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn out the lights and toss a glow-in-the-dark ball.
• Use a prop that goes with your theme party. If it's a sports party, use a baseball.
• Raise the stakes and play the Hot Potato Championship of the World, with prizes.